Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has had a terrific start to this season, which he rightly earned him plaudits. Gabriel Agbonlahor says the Spaniard is ‘one of the best’ in his position in the world.
Arsenal have conceded just three goals in six games this season, keeping a clean sheet in four of them. Even in games where Raya has conceded, his ability to take pressure of his team has been crucial. The keeper’s ability to catch crosses has served Arsenal very well this season.
The 29-year old won the starting job at Arsenal last season and has never looked back. Aaron Ramsdale had to leave the club because of how good Raya was between the sticks last year.
What Gabriel Agbonlahor has said about David Raya
Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor had a lot of praise for the Spanish keeper after his performance against Manchester City last weekend:
“Some of his saves against Manchester City, there were two great efforts from Gvardiol that he saved,” Agbonlahor said. “He was a presence, coming out for crosses as well.
“He really is the real deal, and I can see why Mikel Arteta brought him.
“I feel that Ramsdale wouldn’t have saved two or three of those efforts from Manchester City players (on Sunday night).
“David Raya has been in outstanding form and probably the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment.”
Unfortunately Raya, picked up a minor knock on Sunday and would not be available against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night. Mikel Arteta had this to say on the injury:
“Unfortunately, yes. There will be a few players that are not available.”
“Let’s see how they are today. We’ll try to make a call on that if we believe that’s a possibility.”
Pundit correctly predicted Arsenal keeper’s improvement this season
Charles Watts predicted earlier on this season that with the departure of Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya would improve significantly as a keeper:
“His [Raya’s] fantastic start to the season that he is enjoying, obviously, he’s firmly established at Arsenal now as the No. 1. I think we are just going to see him improve, improve, improve.
“I honestly felt we wouldn’t see the best of David Raya until Aaron Ramsdale departed. Just because of that whole situation, I don’t think it helped either ‘keeper. I don’t think it helped Aaron Ramsdale when he came in for the few appearances he got.
“I don’t think either ‘keeper was able to play at their very best, until one of them went.”
